The Battle Over Compliance and Regulation
Safety Violations and Defiant Operations of Super Metro Matatus
Super Metro buses during their 2021 fleet launch (Source: Blogger.com)
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended Super Metro’s operating license on March 21, 2025, citing non-compliance with public service vehicle regulations and other set conditions. Despite the suspension, Super Metro has continued its operations.
Public Advisory
"Members of the public are cautioned against boarding vehicles belonging to Super Metro Limited. The Traffic Department is required to impound vehicles belonging to the company found operating contrary to the suspension," – NTSA.
NTSA's Findings
The NTSA outlined various violations among Super Metro’s fleet of 523 vehicles:
- 15 vehicles had expired inspection certificates
- 8 vehicles lacked valid road service licenses
- 5 vehicles were missing updated speed limiter certificates
- 88 vehicles failed to transmit speed data
- 109 vehicles exceeded the 80 km/h speed limit
- 64 drivers failed mandatory retests
NTSA Spokesperson: "These violations pose unacceptable risks to passenger safety. We cannot compromise on compliance."
Super Metro’s Response
Super Metro denied the allegations of non-compliance, insisting they had adhered to NTSA regulations and addressed past concerns.
"NTSA claims that out of 294 vehicles, five had expired inspection certificates, fifteen had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL), and several vehicles had issues with speed limiters. We confirm that all inspection certificates and Road Service Licenses for the mentioned vehicles were renewed prior to the suspension," – Super Metro.
The company further clarified:
- Upon identifying issues with speed limiters, they promptly contacted vendors who rectified the problems across all affected vehicles before the suspension
- The 64 drivers who allegedly failed retests on March 10, 2025, had completed the required retraining and retesting three weeks earlier
- The claim about unqualified drivers is outdated and inaccurate regarding current operations
"Super Metro Limited has been working diligently with NTSA throughout their investigation... The decision to impose a summary suspension... is not only unfair but also prejudicial to thousands of employees and their families."
– Super Metro Representative
Impact on Drivers and Compliance Demands
The NTSA has issued the following directives to Super Metro:
- Immediate disengagement of unqualified drivers
- Submission of signed contracts for all staff
- Provision of six months' payroll records and statutory deductions
- Conducting road safety sensitization programs
- Full compliance audit by NTSA
Next Steps for Super Metro
NTSA has laid out strict conditions that Super Metro must meet to regain compliance:
- 294 vehicles must undergo compliance checks
- Inspections at Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre
- 42 drivers must retest at Likoni Driver Test Centre
- 64 drivers had licenses suspended after failed retests
This decision follows increased public scrutiny after a tragic incident where a passenger allegedly fell to his death in a fare dispute, sparking calls for customer boycotts over crew misconduct.
